05.08.2014 11:56 h

UEFA dishes out Europa League racism sanctions

European football's governing body UEFA on Tuesday said that it had imposed a raft of sanctions after racist incidents in the Europa League.

In a statement, UEFA said that it had ordered the partial closure of the stadiums of Georgian club Chikhura Sachkhere, Hungary's Debrecen, Romanian side Steaua Bucharest, and Slovenians Maribor.

The one-game penalties will apply to the four clubs' next European competition matches.

The incidents occurred during their Europa League second qualifying round home matches last month.

Chikhura Sachkhere drew 0-0 with Turkish side Bursaspor, while Debrecen beat North Irish club Cliftonville 2-0.

Steaua Bucharest defeated Norwegian visitors Stroemsgodset 2-0, while Maribor notched up the same score against Bosnian side Zrinjski.

"The fight against racism is a high priority for UEFA. The European governing body has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination on the pitch and in the stands," UEFA said.